Thread | Brutkey

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

I have never seen the word "perihelion" in a weather warning before! Wow.

I'm totally saving this to show my students why basic astro 101 is very practical sometimes (...ok maybe the prairies do not have a tidal flooding problem...but... perihelion!!)

A screenshot of a weather warning for Victoria, BC
COASTAL FLOODING STATEMENT
11:47 AM PST Friday 2 January 2026

Abnormal high tides combined with low pressure may produce minor/moderate coastal flooding.

Elevated water levels accompanied by strong winds and waves are expected, exceeding highest astronomical tides.

What: Risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge coinciding with high tides.
When: This weekend, with the highest risk of coastal flooding on Sunday.

Additional information: The South Coast is entering a period of high astronomical tides as Earth reaches perihelion (Earth's closest point to the Sun). Also, a low pressure system will cross the region this weekend. This falling atmospheric pressure will help further elevate coastal water levels beyond predicted tides, thus increasing the risk of coastal flooding.

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

RE: https://fosstodon.org/@AkaSci/115828276041483994

Ah, perfect, @AkaSci@fosstodon.org added a diagram and an explanation of why this weather warning is happening!

Happy Perihelion+perigee Moon!

AkaSci 🛰

️
@AkaSci@fosstodon.org

In the northern hemisphere, around midnight, the Wolf Moon will be high in the sky, you know why.
🌝
The moon's perigee and the earth's perihelion on the Sun's side, will result in heightened King Tide.
3/n